Manchester United more likely to concede penalty at home than Fulham despite manager Martin Jol's claims

Claims from Martin Jol, the Fulham manager, that teams visiting Manchester
United receive unfair treatment appears unfounded after figures show that
his own side are less likely to concede a penalty at home than United.

"No-one in the stadium could say Danny Murphy dived and everyone in the stadium expected a penalty," said Jol.

"A few years ago, the ball was a metre over the line and they did not give it. Maybe the linesman was not quick enough that time.

"But tonight the referee was there in line. It needed a brave decision because it was either a dive and he should book someone or he has to give Carrick a red card.

"I don't want to see Carrick sent off but it needed a brave decision and I think it was a penalty kick.

"The discussion of whether it would have been given at the other end has been going on for years and it will go on for years to come," he said.

However, Jol appears to lack any evidence to back up his assertion that officials favour United at Old Trafford after figures show that Fulham, in fact, are less likely to concede a penalty at home than United.

In the 110 league games both teams have played at home since August 2006 United have conceded nine spot-kicks while Fulham have given away just eight during the same period.

Blackburn Rovers are the most profligate Premier League team having conceded 18 - 0.16 penalties per game - while Stamford Bridge is the hardest place to be awarded a spot-kick where Chelsea have given away just five in 110 games.